The world’s largest
airline Emirates was named the World’s Best ahead of 2015 winner Qatar Airways.

The awards are based on
passenger surveys completed by more than 19 million travellers from more than
100 countries, covering 280 airlines.

It was the fourth time the
Dubai-based Emirates has been named the best since the awards began 15-years
ago.

Emirates President Sir Tim
Clark said they were honoured to be recognised.

“Emirates has always put our customers at the
heart of what we do, and we work hard to deliver the very best experience
possible to our customers at every touchpoint, every day, all around the
world,” said Sir Tim.

“We constantly invest in
our product and services both on the ground and in the air. We listen carefully
to our customers and then relentlessly challenge ourselves to deliver and
exceed expectations.”

He said the fact the
awards were based on direct feedback from passengers was “gratifying and
wonderful recognition for all the hard work that had gone into creating the
Emirates’ experience”.

Qatar Airways was consoled
by awards for World’s Best Business Class, best Business Class Airline Lounge,
while rival Middle Eastern carrier Etihad scored World’s Best First Class.

Other airlines to make the
top ten included Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Etihad, Turkish
Airlines, Eva Air and Lufthansa.

Garuda Indonesia slipped
out of the top ten to 11th place (from eighth in 2015) and Virgin Australia was
rated 18th, down from 16th.

A Qantas spokeswoman said
they had worked hard on improving their product and the awards

“matched up nicely with
the really strong customer satisfaction we’re seeing through our own passenger
surveys”.

“We often say that our people are our best
asset and the win for Best Airline Staff in

Australia-Pacific is a testament
to what a great job they do on the ground and in the air,” she said.

Jetstar was equally
thrilled with its nod for Best Low Cost Carrier in the Australia-Pacific.

“To stay number one, we’ve
continued to provide low fares every day for customers and

lifted the bar for
customer service for low cost airlines,” said a Jetstar spokesman.